Farmers reap green award

Wildlife is flourishing on the commercial farm

An arable farm near Doncaster has won this year's Silver Lapwing award for conservation work.

Tim Paxman and Chris Goodall, who run Partridge Hill Farm, have successfully integrated conservation, environmental measures and commercial farming.

The award scheme is now in its 25th year and is organised by the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) along with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

They received their award from Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

Wildlife habitats

The farming pair made environmental improvements including the creation and management of natural wildlife habitats such as ponds, small plantations and hedgerows.

Tim Paxman said: "The work we do gives us a lot of satisfaction and it is a great honour to have received the leading farm conservation award in the UK."

Vivian Cheetham, the rural development officer for Defra said: "I think one of the main reasons Chris and Tim have been so successful in increasing the wildlife on their farm is the wide variety of options they have undertaken.

"This has led to the creation of a wonderful diversity of habitats on the farm, supporting wildlife from the bottom of the food chain from plants through to barn owls.

Habitats on the farm attract linnets, bullfinches, song thrushes and lapwings.